Rainiers, Carol Milgard Breast Center Team Up For Pink at the Park

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Rainiers and the Carol Milgard Breast Center (CMBC) are joining forces for the third year in a row to host 'Pink at the Park' this Sunday, August 18th - a Rainiers game devoted to increasing screening mammograms for medically underserved women in the South Sound.

The first 3,000 fans through the gates for the Rainiers 1:30 p.m. game against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox will receive a limited edition pink CMBC hat to further emphasize the importance of this event designed to increase awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer in our community.

Pre-game ceremonies include spotlighting a CMBC patient's successful battle with breast cancer. An on-field 'Circle of Hope' will be held around the pitcher's mound when breast cancer survivors and their friends and families are invited on-field to celebrate their triumph over the disease. Each participant will release pink balloons to symbolize the release of fear and the embrace of hope for the future.

Rainiers players and coaches will sport specialty pink uniforms throughout the game. The game-worn jerseys will be available for purchase through either an in-game silent auction or a live post-game auction held on the field. All proceeds from both auctions will be given to CMBC for the purpose of funding screening mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women in our community.

"We are so grateful to be partnering with the Tacoma Rainiers again for this important community event. Last year this event raised over $13,000 which allowed us to provide significantly more screening mammograms to women in need, right here in our community," says Jackie Ostrom, executive director of CMBC.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, affecting one in every eight women in the U.S. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have over a 95 percent survival rate.

"Our goal is to educate this community that every woman, age 40 and older, should get a screening mammogram every year," says Khai Tran, M.D., CMBC medical director. "Yearly mammography helps to detect subtle changes in the breast tissue, and we want to detect cancer as early as possible to improve treatment options and the chances for a successful recovery."

Since opening in 2009, the Carol Milgard Breast Center's mission has been to provide sustainable breast health services to all women in the community in a caring confident environment that fosters confidence, comfort, peace and dignity for each individual. In 2012, CMBC served over 33,000 patients and provided more than $480,000 in compassionate care for individuals unable to afford needed services.

The breast center is a non-profit organization whose mission relies upon community support. For more information about the Carol Milgard Breast Center or to contribute a donation, please call (253) 759-2622 or visit the breast center online at www.carolmilgardbreastcenter.org.

To purchase tickets for 'Pink at the Park' this Sunday or another upcoming Rainiers game this season, call 1-800-745-3000 or email [email protected]. Up-to-date news and notes throughout the season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.